Acer palmatum 'First Ghost' Japanese Maple

'First Ghost' is a variegated Japanese maple with deeply lobed leaves that emerge in early spring bright white to cream, accented by dark green reticulated veining and red-purple edges; the variegation softens by mid-summer to lighter green as new growth appears. The cultivar originated as a sport discovered by Talon Buckholtz on an *Akashizatsu Sawa*, which he grafted and initially called "Ghost" before developing it as the first in a series, hence the name 'First Ghost'. It develops a semi-pendulous, spreading habit reaching approximately 10-12 feet tall and wide in 10 years, with vigorous, upright growth balanced by gentle arching branches. Best color retention occurs with morning sun and afternoon shade, which preserves the reticulated veining and purple border longer into summer; full afternoon sun causes the variegation to fade more quickly. Fall color ranges from golden yellow to orange, occasionally deepening to red after early cold snaps.